As Furley Page celebrates 300 years in business, we look back on the legacy of this leading Kent law firm and explore its vision for the future
When a business reaches its 300th anniversary, it speaks volumes about its resilience, adaptability and enduring commitment to excellence. Furley Page – one of the South East’s most respected law firms – is celebrating this extraordinary milestone in 2025, marking three centuries of delivering expert legal services throughout the region and the wider UK.
Tracing its origins back to 1725, Furley Page has been a cornerstone of the legal landscape in Kent. Founded by James Hanson during the reign of King George I, the firm of solicitors has evolved significantly, adapting to the changing needs and requirements of individuals and businesses alike. In 1830, Furley Page relocated its headquarters to St Margaret’s Street in Canterbury, where it remains to this day.
Over the centuries, Furley Page has expanded through strategic mergers and partnerships, broadening its expertise to include corporate and commercial law, private client services and litigation. Today, it is a leader in the South East’s legal sector, with offices in Canterbury, Whitstable and Chatham.
At the heart of Furley Page’s success is its people. “We are immensely proud of our heritage, but we have never been afraid to move with the times,” says Susan Jennings, partner and head of the corporate and commercial team. “Furley Page has supported some clients and local families for generations. In 2025, our partner-led teams provide advice across a wide range of legal disciplines, helping to support businesses, farmers and generations of families across the South East and nationally.”
Susan highlights that Furley Page’s core values remain the foundation of its culture. “By being supportive and respectful, investing time in our people and infrastructure, engaging collaboratively and setting environmentally conscious targets, we ensure that every decision is made in the best interests of our clients and stakeholders.”
Beyond its long list of achievements and contributions across the legal sector, Furley Page is deeply committed to the local community, notably through the Furley Page Foundation, a registered charity overseeing the firm’s social responsibility programmes. “Like our predecessors, we strive to give something back to the community through direct action and via our renowned charitable foundation,” explains Susan. “Over the generations, we’ve also provided many aspiring lawyers with the opportunity to train and build rewarding careers in law, ensuring that the values shaping our service for three centuries continue to thrive.”
To mark the historic 300-year milestone, Furley Page is hosting a series of events throughout 2025 to engage staff, clients and the wider community, and thank them for their support. Whilst the team can’t give away all their plans at this stage, there is a diverse line-up of activities mapped out, offering something that appeals to everyone.
The firm is partnering with key cultural and community organisations, including The Marlowe Theatre, Canterbury Cathedral, Canterbury Festival and Chatham Historic Dockyard Trust. Events range from comedy nights to exhibitions, alongside client and team celebrations.
Furley Page is also taking an active role in community engagement, supporting events close to its office locations, such as the Canterbury 10-miler, Whitstable 10K and Chatham Maritime 10K. “We will have a team in the Dragonboat Race at Chatham Maritime in May and hopefully won’t capsize,” jokes Susan. “We are also planning a beach clean in Whitstable in September.”
Furley Page’s charitable foundation is another key focus, with an ambitious fundraising target set for 2025. Pilgrims Hospice has been chosen as the main beneficiary, reflecting the team’s commitment to giving back. “Our foundation has always been about supporting the communities we serve,” Susan explains. “This year, we are determined to raise even more for a cause that truly makes a difference.”
While Furley Page’s history is long, its approach is distinctly forward-thinking. Over the past decade, the firm has embraced modernisation, investing heavily in technology and infrastructure. “It’s funny to think that in the 1970s and 80s, Furley Page was considered cutting-edge for introducing electric typewriters and one of the first fax machines in Canterbury,” Susan reflects. “Fast forward to today, and we are continually improving our IT systems to ensure we remain at the forefront of legal service delivery.”
It’s clear as day that Furley Page’s greatest strength lies in its people, and the firm is committed to investing in its team – whether through training, development or providing a high-quality working environment. A major step in the company’s modernisation was the relocation of its Whitstable office from the high street to a contemporary space at Estuary View in 2023. “Everyone loves the new space,” Susan notes. “Now, we’re turning our focus to how we can improve our Canterbury offices.”
Exciting times lie ahead as Furley Page embarks on its fourth century. The goal? Upholding its legacy of excellence while embracing the future. The key aspirations are simple: to continue providing an outstanding service to clients and to be a firm that people – whether staff or clients – are proud to be associated with.
With an emphasis on technology, client care and growth, Furley Page is actively recruiting talented individuals who share its values. “We are a relatively young partnership now, but we are always planning ahead to ensure we have the right people in place to take the firm forward,” Susan explains.
Sustainability is another priority, with the firm setting environmentally conscious targets to reduce its footprint. Investing in people, infrastructure and responsible business practices will ensure Furley Page remains a legal leader for generations to come.
From 1725 to 2025, it has been quite the journey, and one thing is certain: Furley Page is built to last. “While the firm has developed and modernised over the years, our ethos has stayed the same,” says Susan. “We are big enough to provide specialist advice but hope never to lose the ability to care. Our core values of respect, support, engagement, investment and sustainability underpin everything we do.
Susan adds: “This year will be about marking our history, but with a keen eye on cementing relationships and planning for the future. We hope you will join us to celebrate this monumental milestone and allow us to look after you, your family and your business for the next 300 years.”
From all of us here at South East Business, happy 300th birthday, Furley Page! We look forward to seeing what’s next.
